Nikko is a popular tourist destination in the Northern Kanto region. It is most famous for the incredibly decorated Tosho-gu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Buddhist temple serving as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of Japan's Edo period. Other famous historical sites include the sacred bridge Nikko Shinkyo, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinno-ji. Nikko is also well known for its natural beauty, including Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, as well as numerous hot spring resorts, including (since March 20th, 2006) the Kinugawa hot springs area.

On March 20th, 2006, Nikko merged with Imaichi City, Ashio and Fujihara Towns, and Kuriyama Village.